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Help Save Endangered Rivers (and Win an iPod!)

Posted on April 21, 2008 | Filed Under Alerts, Endangered Rivers, Global Warming, Technology

Chas Offutt, Director of Internet Strategy
Technology & Rivers

Last Thursday, we released America’s Most Endangered Rivers™: 2008 Edition. The report is not a list of the nation’s “worst�? or most polluted rivers, but rather it highlights ten rivers confronted by decisions in the coming year that could determine their future.

Though the release of the report attracts a great deal of radio, print and online attention, the goal is far from simply garnering media attention. In fact, the media attention means very little if there are no results.

To produce results and protect these endangered rivers, we need you to take action today. Then, once you’ve taken action, we ask that you to take more action. And then, even if you’re all actioned out, we’d like to encourage you to take ONE more action - we’re greedy because our rivers depend on it.

And, to reward you for all of your many, many actions to protect endangered rivers in 2008, we’d like to give you an iPod. Well, actually, a chance to win one of three iPods (Touch, Nano and Shuffle).

All you have to do is send one of four endangered rivers eCards to your friends and family and ask them to act today to protect endangered rivers. That’s it, help spread the word and fight global warming by sending an eCard.

Contest details: Send an eCard to one person, earn one chance to win…but send an eCard to two people, earn two chances to win…send to as many people as you’d like! Only eCards sent prior to June 1, 2008 will be eligible for the iPod contest drawing. If you’re a winner, we’ll contact you by June 15th please no emails or calls to follow up.

Is Your River Endangered? The 2008 Report is Live!

Posted on April 16, 2008 | Filed Under Alerts, Endangered Rivers, Global Warming

Chas Offutt, Director of Internet Strategy
Technology & Rivers

It’s simply hard to deny that global warming is putting rivers across the nation at risk.

From water mismanagement in the southeast and southwest, to ill-advised projects in the gulf coast and the nation’s heartland, across the country our nation’s rivers and fresh water resources face growing threats.

The release of America’s Most Endangered Rivers™: 2008 Edition shows how a collection of backwards looking decision makers all across the country are using 19th century thinking, in a misguided attempt to solve the 21st century problems.

The report, released today, calls on individuals like you to take immediate action. Being named an endangered river is not an end for the river, but rather a beginning.

Since 1986, America’s Most Endangered Rivers™ has put a spotlight on rivers across the country facing critical and near-term threats. In fact, the 10 rivers selected each year are at a crossroads, and the choices made by local and national decision makers during the upcoming year will determine the rivers’ future. That’s why we need you to take action today.

Use the +/- function to zoom in and click on a river in your backyard to take action. No river in your backyard? No problem, take action today to support global warming legislation.

Act Now: South Carolina’s Rivers are at RISK

Posted on March 17, 2008 | Filed Under Alerts, Southeast

Lindsay Martin, Web Editor
River Alerts

A potentially devastating blow to South Carolina’s rivers will be delivered this Wednesday – without your input!

On March 17th, the South Carolina Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee will convene to listen to testimony from ONLY the Department of Natural Resources and South Carolina’s Chamber of Commerce on recent legislation, S.428.

Tell the South Carolina Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee that your voice matters by taking immediate action.

South Carolina is prepared to sacrifice 80% of the mean annual daily flow while allocating a woefully inadequate 20% for fisheries, boating and other recreational interests. In addition, the public will bear the burden of having to prove it requires more than a 20% allocation.

Currently, there is almost no oversight of the water withdrawn from our streams whether it is for drinking water, irrigation or industrial use. In some instances our streams and creeks have been pumped dry due to the competing demands of wells and surface water pumping plants.

We have partnered with our South Carolina allies – including the South Carolina Coastal Conservation League – to ask for legislation in the South Carolina legislature that would begin the process of better managing our waters by registering current users, permitting future users, and setting minimum flows in our creeks that will keep our communities healthy.

Protect a Wild and Scenic River Today

Posted on February 4, 2008 | Filed Under Alerts

Lindsay Martin, Web Editor
River Alert

The Eightmile River in Connecticut is one of our nation’s most outstanding rivers and we need you to contact your Senators TODAY to ask them to help preserve this gem for present and future generations. Protecting this river would also move us one step closer to reaching our goal of protecting 40 new rivers by the upcoming 40th Anniversary of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act.

As part of the National Forests, Parks, Public Land and Reclamation Project Authorization Act of 2007 (S. 2483), the Senate is considering permanently protecting the Eightmile River as a federal Wild and Scenic River. The Wild and Scenic designation for the Eightmile River would protect more than 25 miles of the largest unfragmented forest region in coastal Connecticut a rare find in present-day Southern New England. The river is cherished for its scenic beauty, historic character, and abundant fisheries.

The Eightmile River needs your help. Urge your Senators to support the Eightmile River by voting for S. 2483. The vote could come at any time, so please act now!

Yazoo Pumps Comments Due Today!!!

Posted on January 22, 2008 | Filed Under Alerts, Deep South, Flood Protection, Government Affairs, River Renewal

Joyce Wu, Program Associate
Natural Flood Protection

Comments to the Corps on the Yazoo Pumps, a 67 year-old project that will destroy 200,000 acres of wetlands, are due today, Jan. 22nd, 2008. Please take a few moments to send a letter to the Corps to show your opposition to this boondoggle project, which over 500 scientists say is a bad idea. https://secure2.convio.net/amr/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=961

You can find more information on the Yazoo Pumps at http://www.americanrivers.org/site/PageServer?pagename=AR7_YazooPumpsLetter.

Urge the Corps to Properly Close the Hurricane Highway

Posted on December 14, 2007 | Filed Under Alerts, Deep South

Lindsay Martin, Web Editor
River Alert

More than two years after Hurricane Katrina, the Mississippi River Gulf Outlet (MRGO) still threatens New Orleans’ safety. This controversial navigation channel funneled Katrina’s storm surge into the city and greatly worsened flooding during the storm. Help us ensure that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers properly closes this hurricane highway.

Creation and maintenance of the MRGO also destroyed more than 20,000 acres of buffering coastal wetlands that could have reduced Katrina’s storm surge and spared lives. The Corps’ final plan for the MRGO will begin the process of protecting and restoring these wetlands. But the plan does not go far enough to restore the areas damaged by the MRGO, and still makes the Greater New Orleans area vulnerable to storm surge.

Thanks to you and thousands of activists from across the country, Congress recently directed the Corps to eliminate the unacceptable storm surge threat posed by the MRGO channel. With your help again, there is still hope for getting the MRGO closure plan right. Tell the Corps to listen to Congress and properly close the MRGO.

Comments are due December 17th, so please act today!

Tell the Corps to Dump the Pumps and Protect Wetlands

Posted on November 29, 2007 | Filed Under Alerts, Deep South

Lindsay Martin, Web Editor
River Alert

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers wants to waste our tax dollars on a project that could drain and damage more than 200,000 acres of wetlands in the heart of the Mississippi River flyway — an area that contains some of the richest natural resources in the nation.

The Corps has recommended spending at least $211 million to build the world’s largest hydraulic pumping plant in one of the most sparsely populated regions in the state of Mississippi. In a throwback to another era and contrary to federal policy, the Yazoo Pumps would be used to drain wetlands so agribusiness can intensify production to reap more farm subsidy payments.

The Corps has released its final recommendation for the Yazoo Pumps. We need your help today to put a stop to this wasteful and destructive project. Urge the Corps of Engineers, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and U.S. Department of the Interior to dump the Yazoo Pumps. Act now.

Help Save a National Treasure, the Northwest’s Wild Salmon

Posted on November 15, 2007 | Filed Under Alerts, Northwest

Lindsay Martin, Web Editor
River Alert

Four federal dams on Washington’s lower Snake River are destroying a national treasure — the last wild salmon runs to return from the Pacific 1,000 miles to the Rocky Mountains. These fish are vital to the culture, economy, and balance of nature that the Pacific Northwest has always relied on.

But a solution is within reach — these four dams can be removed, and their limited benefits can be replaced in a climate-friendly way that protects local communities and farms.

Unfortunately, the Bush administration’s latest salmon plan for the Columbia and Snake rivers doesn’t consider dam removal or any other meaningful salmon recovery measures. The plan keeps river communities stuck with an undesirable status quo, and keeps wild salmon on a path to extinction.

Help us send a clear message to our leaders that the Bush administration’s plan is inadequate and unacceptable. U rge the National Marine Fisheries Service to restore one of the last great salmon runs in the lower 48 states by removing the four lower Snake River dams and ensuring a bright future for the region’s communities.

Help Protect Small Streams and Wetlands

Posted on November 5, 2007 | Filed Under Alerts

Lindsay Martin, Web Editor
River Alert

We recently sent out a special request to help decorate the Clean Water Act’s 35th birthday cake that we would deliver to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as a reminder of its mission to safeguard — not weaken — clean water protections.

Well, with your support of frosting, candles and sprinkles, we delivered the cake with the important message: ALL waters should remain protected under the Clean Water Act.

While the Clean Water Act’s celebration may have ended, our fight to defend clean water continues.

The health of our local streams, rivers and lakes depends on strong protections from the Clean Water Act. Unfortunately, safeguards for clean and healthy water are now in jeopardy following a confusing 2006 Supreme Court opinion that leaves the fate of 60 percent of the nation’s stream miles in a state of legal limbo. As expected, polluters are flooding the courts and invoking the Supreme Court decision to strip safeguards from small streams and wetlands.

Congress can fix this troubling situation by passing legislation to restore full federal protection for all our waters!

Help the Clean Water Act make it to 40 — celebrate clean water by urging your Member of Congress to co-sponsor the Clean Water Restoration Act.

6 Month Update on America’s Most Endangered Rivers: 2007

Posted on October 22, 2007 | Filed Under Alerts, California, Deep South, Endangered Rivers, Great Lakes, Great Rivers, Mid-Atlantic, Northwest, Outreach, Southeast, Southwest

Chelsea Lane-Miller, Associate Director of Outreach
Outreach Events and Activities

Though it may be hard to believe, it’s been six months since we released our America’s Most Endangered Rivers: 2007 Edition report. That means it’s time to check in and see what’s happened on each of the ten rivers. Read closely — there are new opportunities for you to take action and to learn more.

Santa Fe River
The people of Santa Fe are making steady progress on efforts to bring their namesake river back to life. In July, Mayor David Coss delivered the annual State of the City address to the people of Santa Fe, in which he said, “I am happy to announce to you today that I am proposing 1,000 acre-feet of water be dedicated to the Santa Fe River by next spring through adoption of the city’s Long Range Water Supply Plan. This means that we will have enough water to keep riparian vegetation alive in stretches of the River during the summer months. While there are still many challenges to work through as we strive for sustainable water policies in Santa Fe, this 1,000 acre-feet will be the first designation of water to a river anywhere in the state.”

The city now plans to hold town hall meetings and discussions with all key stakeholders so that the community of Santa Fe can come together in support of a common vision of a living river that will eventually be adopted by the City Council.

San Mateo Creek
Though the proposed Foothill South toll road still poses a real threat to San Mateo Creek, opposition to this ill-advised project continues to grow. Editorials in the L.A. Times and North County Times both say that the toll road is not worth it, and stories in the San Diego Tribune and Orange County Register show that nearly 70% of local residents are opposed to the road.

In other positive news, California Rep. Susan Davis (D - San Diego) successfully introduced an amendment in the Armed Services Committee that would remove several exemptions from state environmental laws that the TCA obtained in order to build the proposed toll road. The House version of the bill passed and the Senate is currently debating the bill.

Additionally, American Rivers and Surfrider Foundation supporters recently sent comments to the California Coastal Commission (CCC), urging them to deny approval of the toll road to protect San Mateo Creek and Trestles Beach, which draws surfers from all over the world. There’s still time for you to tell the CCC how you feel. Act now!

Iowa River
Conservation groups in Iowa are working to draft a set of rules that would keep the Iowa and other rivers in the state from becoming more polluted, but the state Department of Natural Resources is dragging its feet. People in Iowa want clean rivers, and they’re not going to wait forever to get them!

Take the University of Iowa in Iowa City. In response to the listing of the Iowa River as one of AMERICA’S MOST ENDANGERED RIVERS:2007 Edition, the University is organizing several events on the River, including three bus tours and a talk about the river as part of their Civic Engagement Program.

Plans are also in the works to organize a local group in Hardin County, Iowa to work on improving the river. These discussions include farmers and local people.

Upper Delaware River
The Upper Delaware River continues to face a grave threat from powerline plans by New York Regional Interconnect, a private power company. In order to protect the Upper Delaware Wild and Scenic River, U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Hilary Rodham Clinton have introduced legislation to block federal approval of this highly controversial proposed power line route. If it becomes law, the legislation will stop the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission from unilaterally establishing power line routes through New York State. It would also prohibit FERC from overriding New York State’s siting process and eliminate the agency’s ability to use eminent domain to confiscate private property.

There’s a big incentive to pass the Clinton-Schumer legislation - on October 2^nd, the Department of Energy (home to FERC) issued their final designation of the National Interest Electric Transmission Corridors. The one on the east coast includes the Upper Delaware River, essentially paving the way for the proposed power line. Stay tuned for your chance to express your support for the Clinton-Schumer bill.

White Salmon River
Designating the White Salmon River as one of America’s Most Endangered Rivers has helped to raise awareness and support for the removal of Condit Dam. Since the listing, local efforts have: turned back a threat from the local electric company to start condemnation proceedings as a way to stall or prevent removal; hosted informational meetings to stir discussion and share facts about dam removal with the community; and appear to be turning back a move by Klickitat County to rezone a large area along the river most critical to salmon restoration. Fish scientists continue to make plans for salmon restoration - some think that rainbow trout found upstream of the dam may actually be steelhead (genetically identical to rainbow trout) that were able to adapt to freshwater life. This means that there may still be native species of steelhead in the river only waiting for the chance to return to the ocean and resume their anadramous life cycle.

It is important that FERC keep dam removal on track. Public support for dam removal is high and growing - the listing of the White Salmon generated 300 comments to the agency. Also, the tremendous public support for the recent removal of the nearby Marmot Dam on the Sandy River just outside of Portland makes Condit Dam an obvious and excellent next step for supporting people and salmon in the Columbia basin.

Neches River
The fate of the Neches River is still up in the air. Proponents of the Neches River Refuge are waiting for a judge to rule in the lawsuit filed by the City of Dallas to eliminate the refuge. Meanwhile, the Texas state legislature has designated the area as a “unique reservoir site” for Fastrill Reservoir, but the state designation will become relevant only if the refuge is overturned.

The Neches River made an appearance in Sierra Club’s America’s Wild Legacy report. They highlighted threatened wild places in each state - including the Neches in Texas. Efforts to designate the river as a National Scenic River are still in motion as well.

Kinnickinnic River
The Kinnickinnic is on the path toward restoration. Although Wisconsin is still working on budget issues that affect the project, once the state funding is in place the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency appears likely to provide the federal match for removal of the contaminated sediments. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is close to having final designs for the remediation, and the Environmental Analysis and permits are close to being completed. Dredging is expected to start next spring, and finish by early fall.

The good news is that it appears likely that a project upstream on the Milwaukee River at Estabrook Dam will also receive funding. This project would also remove PCB-contaminated sediments from behind the dam, and further upstream. Cleanup is scheduled to being next spring.

Neuse River
In early September, elected officials in North Carolina floated the Neuse River to learn about threats to the river’s health, and ways to help protect the river. Upper Neuse Riverkeeper Dean Najouks led them on the trip. He talked about how rainwater running off of lawns, parking lots, golf courses and roads - collectively called stormwater - can harm a river, and how low impact development can help to alleviate these problems. For many, it was an eye-opening experience. Hopefully this trip will help to pass a bond measure in Wake County, NC that would preserve 30% of the county’s land as open space - something that would help to reduce the amount of stormwater funneled into creeks and rivers.

There are still many challenges facing the Neuse River, including a drought this year. Additionally, the state just approved a sewage plant expansion for Johnston County and is endorsing a plan to grant the City of Raleigh a variance request to allow more than 1000 acres of polluted ground water to leach into the Neuse River - that would be more than 120,000 lbs of nitrogen per year for the next 30 years, without any treatment or mitigation. A local blogger explains how you can speak out for the Neuse on this issue.

Lee Creek
Arkansas’ Lee Creek continues to face an uphill battle, but efforts to protect this Extraordinary Resource Water are not over yet. In early October, changes to the regulations that protect Extraordinary Resource Waters (ERW) in Arkansas were passed unanimously by the PC&E Commission. These changes provide a way to delist the river as an ERW, which would normally prohibit dam construction, if a community has no alternative source of drinking water. Although this opens the possibility for constructing a dam on Lee Creek, there must be ample proof that it’s absolutely necessary for drinking water. Project proponents have not been able to show this because cheaper and more ecologically sensible alternatives exist for local drinking water.

Additionally, the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA), which passed the Senate and House in late September, renews the 1967 authorization of the Pine Mountain Dam - proposed for Lee Creek - along with 14 other water projects in the state. Funding for study of the dam proposal is provided but there is no guarantee that any funding will be provided for building the dam. Furthermore, the project cited by the Act authorizes the dam for flood control - not water supply - meaning that the dam would still be in opposition to state law protecting ERWs.

Chuitna River
The listing of the Chuitna as one of America’s Most Endangered Rivers has brought much deserved attention to the plight of this remote treasure. Elevated awareness has coalesced locals and concerned citizens have redoubled their efforts to protect the Chuitna from destructive strip mining. PacRim Coal, the company pushing for the coal mine is moving forward with its plans, including permit requests to the Alaska Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Local citizens and others submitted a petition in June requesting that lands within the fish-rich Chuitna watershed be deemed “unsuitable” for coal strip mining. DNR Commissioner Tom Irwin of Alaska DNR denied the petition on July 16^th claiming lands within the petition area are exempt. The DNR decision is under appeal. The nearby communities of Tyonek and Beluga rely heavily upon this area for their year-round subsistence fishing and hunting.

While the State of Alaska continues to push this project forward, efforts to slow the project and extend the timeline have been successful — the Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) is now expected to be released as early as summer 2008. The development of this mine would not only devastate thousands of acres of prime fish, moose, and bear habitat but would also emit huge quantities of CO2 and other greenhouse gases from coal combustion.

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